Apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting and disconnecting a power line

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. The apparatus comprises two plates that each defines three holes configured to receive two conductors and a ground wire, wherein the plates are positioned adjacent to each other such that the respective holes in each plate are aligned such that the conductors and ground wires coming from each plate would be in physical contact. Three connectors hold the plates together. The first two connectors are configured to release the plates upon the application of a tensional force on the conductors or ground wires before the third connector releases the plates, thereby separating the conductors before separating the ground wires. Another embodiment addresses the same in multi-service connections.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.(to be assigned), filed Dec. 11, 2003, entitled “Apparatus and Methodfor Electrically and Mechanically Connecting and Disconnecting a PowerLine,” which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electric power lines. Morespecifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method formechanically and electrically disconnecting a service drop power line.

2. Description of Related Art

Power outages not only inconvenience utility customers but may severelydamage the utility company's service hardware and any structure attachedto the utility lines, as well as creating a hazard with the possibilityof dropping a live electrical wire. When such damage occurs, it is oftencostly for the utility company to repair and replace parts but alsocostly when such damage causes long delays in restoring power service.

For power outages stemming from the utility companies' efforts toincrease energy transmission over existing transmission and distributionlines, some companies have replaced existing conductors with largerones. This may cause the towers holding such conductors to structurallyfail because larger mechanical loads have been imposed upon these towersthan intended by their original design. When the towers do fail, thefailure may damage or destroy a number of towers, which may cause longdelays in restoring power service. To avoid replacing towers to handlethe larger loads imposed, various load limiters have been implemented tolimit the horizontal component of force to which the tower is subjected.These load limiters allow the power line to drop to the ground when thea particular amount of force is exceeded, thereby avoiding damage to thetower. However, some of these load limiters release the power lineprematurely or fail to release the power line after the set amount offorce is exceeded. In addition, once the load limiter releases the powerline, the entire device must be replaced since the load limiter is notreusable, which is a costly and time consuming ordeal.

A significant number of power outages, however, occur at the service endof the residential power delivery system, i.e., at the service droppower line from the utility transmission or distribution line to acustomer's building. For example, such outages may be caused by trees orbranches falling on the service drop power line connected to thecustomer's building. When the tree limb falls on the service drop powerline, there is a sudden increase in the tension that may result indamage to the structure and service hardware attached to the building orto the structure and service hardware attached to the utility pole. Forexample, tension on a service drop power line may pull the standpipe offof the building roof or side and may structurally damage the roof orside as well. Further, tension on the service drop power line may causedamage to a transformer located on the service pole. Moreover, shouldthe service drop power line disconnect from the building, the resultingpower line, which could be laying on the ground, may still be energized,thereby causing a potentially dangerous situation. Therefore, there is aneed for an improved device to disconnect power lines upon theapplication of a force sufficient to cause damage to structurallycomponents attached to or holding the power line. Further, there is aneed for an improved device with the ability to disconnect one or moremultiple power lines in a system having multiple service drop powerlines, without disconnecting other non-stressed power lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the present invention provides an apparatus andmethod that safely and effectively disconnects power lines upon theapplication of a force to the power lines. The disconnection of thepower lines is designed to drop the stressed power line to the ground ina controlled fashion. The dropped power line is no longer energized,making it safe for utility company service crew to reconnect the linelater. Such a controlled disconnection also reduces the possibility ofdamage to equipment or structure to which the power lines are attached.

The present invention also provides an apparatus and method that iscost-efficient to implement since the apparatus is reusable. After thepower lines have been disconnected, the utility service crew merely hasto reconnect the fallen wires and place the apparatus back together,without making significant repairs to the service hardware or structuralcomponents. This design aspect enables quick restoration of power, whichreduces cost by limiting downtime and reducing potentially costlyservice hardware replacement.

These objectives of the present invention are provided by an apparatusand method for electrically connecting a power line to a piece ofequipment or to a structure and allows the power line to disconnect fromthat equipment or structure upon receiving a given amount of tensionalforce before such tension causes damage to the equipment or structure.More specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention is placedbetween one end of a power line and a second, much shorter, power linethat is directly connected to a piece of electrical equipment orstructure. The present invention provides an electrical connectionbetween the two power lines and, upon receipt of a tensional force onthe power line, allows the one power line to disconnect from the shorterpower line before the tension on the power line can cause damage to theequipment or structure.

The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting two pairs ofconductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation ofthe same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one ofthe conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the apparatuscomprises: a first plate defining a first hole configured to receive afirst conductor, a second hole configured to receive a second conductorand a third hole configured to receive a ground wire; a second platedefining a first hole configured to receive a third conductor, a secondhole configured to receive a fourth conductor, and a third holeconfigured to receive a second ground wire, wherein the second plate ispositioned adjacent to the first plate such that the first, second andthird holes in the first plate are aligned, respectively, with thefirst, second and third holes in the second plate such that the firstand third conductors would be in physical contact, the second and fourthconductors would be in physical contact, and the first and second groundwires would be in physical contact. A first connector holds the firstand the second plates together, and the first connector is positionedproximate to the first holes in the first and second plates. A secondconnector holds the first and second plates together, and the secondconnector is positioned proximate to the second holes in the first andsecond plates. A third connector holds the first and second platestogether, and the third connector is positioned more proximate to thethird holes in the first and second plates than to the first and secondholes of the first and second plates. The first and second connectorsare configured to release the first plate from the second plate upon theapplication of a tensional force on the first, second, third or fourthconductor or on the first or second ground wire before the thirdconnector releases the first plate from the second plate, therebyseparating the first conductor from the third conductor and the secondconductor from the fourth conductor before separating the first groundwire from the second ground wire.

In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a first plate having acenter, a first extension region extending radially from the center ofthe first plate and defining a first extension region hole in the firstplate, a second extension region extending radially from the center ofthe first plate and defining a second extension region hole in the firstplate, and a third extension region extending radially from the centerof the first plate, wherein the first, second and third extensionregions are equally spaced about a perimeter of the first plate. Thesecond plate is positioned adjacent to the first plate and having acenter, a first extension region extending radially from the center ofthe second plate and defining a first extension region hole in thesecond plate, a second extension region and a third extension region,each extending radially from the center of the second plate extendingradially from the center of the second plate and defining a secondextension region hole in the second plate, and a third extension regionextending radially from the center of the second plate, wherein thefirst, second and third extension regions are equally spaced about aperimeter of the second plate. A first connector is attached to thefirst extension region of the first plate and to the first extensionregion of the second plate. A second connector is attached to the secondextension region of the first plate and to the second extension regionof the second plate. A third connector is attached to the thirdextension region of the first plate and to the third extension region ofthe second plate, wherein the third connector is configured to provide amore secure connection than the first and second connectors. Further,the first and second extension region holes in the first plate arealigned with the first and second extension region holes in the secondplate, respectively.

The present invention also provides a system for connecting two pairs ofconductors and one pair of ground wires and for allowing separation ofthe same upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one ofthe conductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the system comprises:a first plate defining a first hole configured to receive a firstconductor, a second hole configured to receive a second conductor, and athird hole configured to receive a ground wire; a second plate defininga first hole configured to receive a third conductor, a second holeconfigured to receive a fourth conductor, and a third hole configured toreceive a second ground wire, wherein the second plate correspondspositionally to the first plate such that the first, second and thirdholes in the first plate are aligned, respectively, with the first,second and third holes in the second plate such that the first and thirdconductors are electrically connected, the second and fourth conductorsare electrically connected, and the first and second ground wires areelectrically connected. A first connector is configured to hold thefirst and second plates together at a first position proximate to thefirst hole in the first plate and the first hole in the second plate. Asecond connector configured to hold the first and second plates togetherat a second position proximate to the second hole in the first plate andthe second hole in the second plate. A third connector configured tohold the first and second plates together at a third position proximateto the third hole in the first plate and third hole in the second plate.The first and second connectors are configured to release the firstplate from the second plate upon the application of a tensional force onthe first, second, third or fourth conductor or on the first or secondground wire before the third connector releases the first plate from thesecond plate, thereby separating the first conductor from the thirdconductor and the second conductor from the fourth conductor beforeseparating the first ground wire from the second ground wire.

Additionally, the present invention also provides an apparatus forconnecting two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires and forallowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensionalforce upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In oneembodiment, the apparatus comprises: a first member defining a firsthole configured to receive a first conductor, a second hole configuredto receive a second conductor and a third hole configured to receive aground wire; a second member defining a first hole configured to receivea third conductor, a second hole configured to receive a fourthconductor, and a third hole configured to receive a second ground wire,wherein the second member is positioned adjacent to the first membersuch that the first, second and third holes in the first member arealigned, respectively, with the first, second and third holes in thesecond member such that the first and third conductors would be inphysical contact, the second and fourth conductors would be in physicalcontact, and the first and second ground wires would be in physicalcontact. A first connector holds the first and second members togetherand positioned proximate to the first holes in the first and secondmembers. A second connector holds the first and second members togetherand positioned proximate to the second holes in the first and secondmembers. A third connector holds the first and second members togetherand positioned more proximate to the third holes in the first and secondmembers than to the first and second holes of the first and secondmembers. Further, the first and second connectors are configured torelease the first member from the second member upon the application ofa tensional force on the first, second, third or fourth conductor or onthe first or second ground wire before the third connector releases thefirst member from the second member, thereby separating the firstconductor from the third conductor and the second conductor from thefourth conductor before separating the first ground wire from the secondground wire.

Moreover, the present invention provides a method for electrically andmechanically separating two pairs of conductors and one pair of groundwires upon the application of a tensional force upon at least one of theconductors or ground wires. In one embodiment the method comprises:receiving a tensional force on a service drop line comprising twoconductors and a ground wire attached to a corresponding pair ofconductors and a corresponding ground wire extending from a utilitypole; physically and electrically separating each of the two conductorsfrom the corresponding pair of conductors extending from the utilitypole; and subsequently physically and electrically separating the groundwire from the corresponding ground wire extending from the utility pole.

In a multi-service arrangement, the present invention also provides anapparatus for connecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality ofground wires and for allowing separation of the same upon theapplication of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors orground wires. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises: aplurality of crimp-on connectors configured to receive the conductorsand the ground wires; a box having a plurality of holes configured toreceive the crimp-on connectors on a first surface of the box, in whichthe box is attached to a first location on a utility pole; at least onemechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of the groundwires, in which the mechanical breakaway device is attached to a secondlocation on the utility pole; and wherein the mechanical breakawaydevice releases the received ground wire first upon an application of atensional force on the conductors or the ground wires, such that thetensional force on the conductors then increases on the conductors,thereby pulling the crimp-on connectors out of the box and releasing theconductors and the ground wires that are attached to the crimp-onconnectors.

Furthermore, the present invention also provides an apparatus forconnecting a plurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires andfor allowing separation of the same upon the application of a tensionalforce upon at least one of the conductors or ground wires. In oneembodiment, the present invention comprises: a plurality of crimp-onconnectors configured to receive the conductors and the ground wires; astructure with a first surface attached to a first location on a utilitypole; a plurality of tubular members attached to a second surface of thestructure, wherein the tubular members are configured to receive thecrimp-on connectors; at least one mechanical breakaway device configuredto receive one of the ground wires, in which the mechanical breakawaydevice is attached to a second location on the utility pole; and whereinthe mechanical breakaway device releases the received ground wire firstupon an application of a tensional force on the conductors or the groundwires, such that the tensional force on the conductors then increases onthe conductors, thereby pulling the crimp-on connectors out of thetubular members and releasing the conductors that are attached to thecrimp-on connectors.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for electricallyand mechanically separating a plurality of conductors and a ground wirein a multiple service installation system upon the application of atensional force upon at least one of the conductors or said ground wire.In one embodiment, the present invention comprises: receiving atensional force on a service drop line comprising a plurality ofconductors and a ground wire, wherein said conductors and ground wireare attached in separate locations along a utility pole; physically andelectrically separating said ground wire from said utility pole first;subsequently physically and electrically separating said conductors fromsaid utility pole; and wherein other service drop lines do not receive atensional force and do not physically and electrically separate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for connecting anddisconnecting one power line to and from another power line, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another connector ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 andthe connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 andthe connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a female crimp-on connector according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a side view of a male crimp-on connector according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a fully-assembled apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the use of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the presentinvention for a multi-service arrangement;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a switchboard box of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a single service drop connectorof FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a portion of the mechanicalbreakaway device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device of FIG.11;

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway deviceof FIG. 11; and

FIG. 17 provides yet another perspective view of the mechanicalbreakaway device of FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Typically a power line, such as an overhead power line or a service dropline, is directly connected at one end to a piece of electricalequipment or a structure, such as a utility pole or transformer and at asecond end another structure, such as the roof of a house or building.Upon receipt of a tensional force on the power line, such as from afalling tree or branch, the tension on the power line may cause thepower line to pull on the equipment or structure at either end resultingin damage to such equipment or structure, a loss of power service and aneed for potentially costly repairs.

Generally, the present invention provides an apparatus and method forelectrically connecting a power line to a piece of equipment or to astructure and allows the power line to disconnect from that equipment orstructure upon receiving a given amount of tensional force before suchtension causes damage to the equipment or structure. More specifically,in one embodiment, the present invention is placed between one end of apower line and a second, much shorter, power line that is directlyconnected to a piece of electrical equipment or structure. The presentinvention provides an electrical connection between the two power linesand, upon receipt of a tensional force on the power line, allows the onepower line to disconnect from the shorter power line before the tensionon the power line can cause damage to the equipment or structure.

The following text in connection with the Figures describes variousembodiments of the present invention. The following description,however, is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that where the same numbers are used in differentFigures, these refer to the same element or structure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for connecting anddisconnecting one power line to and from another power line, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus provides anelectrical connection between the two power lines and allows the powerlines to disconnect or separate from one another upon the receipt of apredetermined amount of tensional force on either power line. Theapparatus 100 comprises two plates 102, 104, which are similarly oridentically shaped and are disposed adjacent to one another. As will befurther discussed below, each plate 102, 104 comprises three holes thatare aligned when the plates 102, 104 are placed adjacent to each other,thereby providing three holes 106, 108, 110 that pass through from oneside of apparatus 100 to the other. Also, as will be further discussedbelow, connectors (not shown) are used to hold the plates 102, 104together.

In general operation, and as will be discussed in more detail below,corresponding pairs of power lines or wires, such as phase wires andground wires, are separately connected to the apparatus 100, i.e.,through the holes of each corresponding plate 102, 104 such that whenthe plates 102, 104 are placed adjacent to each other and held togetherby the connectors, the corresponding pairs of power lines areelectrically connected. For example, one end of a service power dropline comprising two phase wires and one ground wire may be attached tothe roof of a house. The other end of this power line may be connectedto the holes of one plate 102. One end of a corresponding set of shorterlength phase and ground wires may be attached to the holes of the secondplate 104, and the other end of these wires may at attached directly toa transformer on the utility pole. The two plates 102, 104 are thenplaced together, thereby creating an electrical connection between thecorresponding pairs of phase wires and the ground wire through the holesof each plate 102, 104.

Upon the application of a predetermined amount of tensional force upon,for example, that portion of the power line extending to the house, theconnectors are designed to allow the plates 102, 104 to separate fromeach other, thereby mechanically and electrically disconnecting thecorresponding pairs of wires before any tension on the power line candamage the transformer, utility pole or the house. In essence, uponseparation of the plates 102, 104, the service drop power line wouldessentially fall away from the utility pole to the ground, therebyavoiding any transfer of tension to the transformer, utility pole orhouse. In addition the service drop power line that falls would beelectrically disconnected and, therefore, not electrically charged.Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus 100 could be positionedcloser to the house rather than to the utility pole such that the endsof a shorter set of wires could be attached to a house and the secondends of these shorter wires would be attached to one of the plates. Thesecond plate would then be connected to the longer length of wiresextending from the second plate to the utility pole. Further, anapparatus 100 could be used near the house as well as the utility pole.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a plate from the apparatus of FIG. 1. It shouldbe appreciated that both plates 102, 104 are essentially the same.Therefore, the following description with respect to one plate 102 isequally applicable to the second plate 104.

The plate 102 comprises a body 206 having a center position 208 andthree extension regions 210, 212, 214 that are positioned symmetricallyabout and extend radially from the center position 208. In other words,each of the extension regions 210, 212, 214 are equally spaced about theperimeter of the body 106. In this embodiment, the body 206 has aconcave shape between each of the first, second, and third extensionregions 210, 212, 214.

The plate 102 further defines three holes 216, 218, 220. Two of theholes 214, 216 are positioned in extension regions 210, 212respectively, and are preferably positioned between the center position208 and the perimeter of each respective extension region 201, 212 oreven more proximate to the periphery or perimeter of these extensionregions or the body 206. The third hole 220 is positioned approximatelyin the center of the body 206, specifically in the center position 208.Each of the holes 216, 218, 220 are configured to receive a conductor,wire, power line or ground wire. Specifically, the holes 214, 216positioned in the extension regions 210, 212 are configured to receiveconductor wires or phase wires (not shown), and the third center hole220 is configured to receive a ground wire (not shown).

More specifically, each hole 216, 218, 220 in each plate 102, 104 isconfigured to receive an end of a conductor, wire, power line or groundwire. In other words, the holes 216, 218, located in the extensionregions 210, 212 of one plate 102 are each configured to each receivethe end of one of two conductors or phase wires and the center hole 220of one plate 102 is configured to receive the end of a ground wire.Similarly, the holes 216, 218, in the extension regions 210, 212 of thesecond plate 104 are each configured to each receive the end of one oftwo other conductors or phase wires and the center ole 220 of the secondplate 104 is configured to receive the end of another ground wire. Theplates 102, 104 may then be positioned adjacent to each other such thatthe holes in one plate 102 are aligned with the holes of the secondplate 104. As will be discussed in more detail below, in thisarrangement, the ends of the conductors or ground wires in the holes216, 218, 220 of one plate 102 may be brought into physical contact withthe ends of the conductors and ground wire in the corresponding holes ofthe second plate 104, thereby facilitating an electrical connectionbetween the corresponding conductors and ground wire.

It should be appreciated that, in general, it is preferable to have thetwo holes 214, 216 located in the extension regions 210, 212 configuredto receive conductors or phase wires. In other words, generally, it ispreferable to have the conductors or phase wires connected to holes thatare located closer to the perimeter or periphery of the body 206 thanthe hole configured to receive a ground wire, which preferably islocated at a position that is closer to the center or interior of thebody 206 than the holes that receive the conductors or phase wires. Aswill be discussed in more detail below, upon receiving a certain amountof tensional force upon any of the conductors or upon the ground wire,the plates 102, 104 will come apart, thereby mechanically andelectrically disconnecting the conductors and ground wire. By having theholes 214, 216 that receive the conductors or phase wires located closerto the perimeter or periphery of the body 206, the conductors willseparate first before the ground wire connected to the hole 218 that islocated closer to the center of the body 206, thereby facilitating asafer disconnection of the conductors. Preferably, the hole 220configured to receive the ground wire is located equidistance from boththe holes 216, 218 configured to receive the conductors or phase wires.The manner in which the ends of the conductors and ground wire arespecifically held in place in the holes is discussed below in connectionwith FIG. 9.

The body 206 of the plate also defines three recesses 222, 224, 226 oropenings in the sides of each of the extension regions 210, 212, 214.These recesses 222, 224, 226 are each configured to receive a tab from aclip (not shown). This clip and the tab are discussed in more detailbelow in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5; however, the clip and tab arejust one example of a connector that is used to hold both plates 102,104 together and to facilitate the release of the plates 102, 104 fromeach other upon the receipt of a tensional force on the conductors orground wire.

FIG. 2 also illustrates that the body 206 may contain reinforcing bars228, 230, 232 positioned along the perimeter of the concave shapedportions of the body 206. In this particular embodiment, there are threecurved reinforcing bars 228, 230, 232, one for each concave portion ofthe body 106. These reinforcing bars 228, 230, 232 provide structuralstability to the body 206 and protect the integrity of the body 206 whenthe plates 102, 104 impact the ground after separating from each otherupon the application of a certain amount of tensional force. Thereinforcing bars 228, 230, 232 increase the strength of the plates 102,104 and minimize cracking or chipping of the body 206. This protectivefunction of the reinforcing bars 228, 230, 232 allows the plates 102,104 to be reused, which will be discussed in greater detail later.

It should be appreciated that although the body 206 is shown as a flatplate, the geometry of the body does not necessarily have to be flat. Itshould be appreciated that the body may take any shape, and each bodymay have the same or different shape. However, the geometry of the bodyshould facilitate making an electrical connection between thecorresponding pairs of wires attached to the holes in each body when thebodies are positioned adjacent to each other. This is accomplished by abody shape that provides alignment of corresponding holes in each bodywhen the bodies are placed adjacent to each other. Making each body thesame shape is advantageous since it only requires one body design to bemanufactured. Any number of holes can be used, but preferably the holesare positioned so that upon separation of the two bodies, the conductorsare preferably separated before the ground wire. Because of thedifferent possible shapes for the body design, it should be appreciatedthat the reinforcing bars are not confined to a particular size orgeometry but may be used with any body shape.

The body may be made from any material. For example, the plates 102, 104preferably are made of cast aluminum, steel or other metals pressed orformed from sheet metal, so that the plates can be re-used in the field.Furthermore, since it is possible to use the apparatus of the presentinvention outside in an unprotected environment, it is desirable to usea material of construction for the plates that would withstandsignificant deterioration from the surrounding environment or climate,including exposure to sunlight or precipitation. For example, in anenvironment where the apparatus would be exposed to significant sunlightor heat, it would be desirable to manufacture the plates from materialsthat would withstand deterioration from UV rays. However, it isimportant that the conductors and ground wires are electrically isolatedfrom each other. In other words, the plates can either be made from anon-conductive material, or if made from a metallic or conductivematerial, the connection of the conductors to the plates may be isolatedfrom the body of the plates.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. As illustrated,the two plates 102, 104 are similarly shaped such that when placedadjacent to each other the perimeter of each plate 102, 104, as well asthe corresponding holes 216, 218, 220, are substantially aligned. Itshould be appreciated that at least one surface of the body 206 of eachplate 102, 104 is preferably flat to facilitate placing each plate 202,204 adjacent to one another. In other words, one plate 102 would have atleast one flat surface 302 that would be placed adjacent to acorresponding flat surface 304 of the second plate 104. This facilitatesthe physical and electrical connection between the conductor wires andground wires. It should be appreciated that it is not critical that thecorresponding conductors and ground wires held by each plate 102, 104actually physically touch each other. Rather, it is simply required thatan electrical connection be made between these corresponding pairs ofwires.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first conductor 306 is attached adjacent to a hole218 on the first plate 102 using a male crimp-on connector (not shown),which is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 8. A secondconductor 308 is attached adjacent to a hole 216 on the second plate 104using a female crimp-on connector (not shown), which is described inmore detail in connection with FIG. 8. When the plates 102, 104 arebrought together, the first conductor 306 and the second conductor 308then come into electrical contact with each other through a physicalconnection between the male and female crimp-on connectors. FIG. 3 alsoshows two connectors 400 and 500 which hold the two plates together. Oneconnector 400 is disposed adjacent to an extension region having a hole216 for a conductor wire. A second connector 500 is disposed adjacent toan extension region that does not have a hole. A third connector (notshown) similar to the connector 400 adjacent to an extension region isalso used to hold the plates 102, 104 together at the perimeter of theother extension region having a hole 218 for a conductor. Theseconnectors are discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS. 4 and5.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of thepresent invention. The connector 400 comprises a base 402 and two tabs404, 406 located at opposite ends of the base 402. As shown, both tabs404, 406 extend from the base at approximately a right angle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of another connector ofthe present invention. The connector 500 comprises a base 502 and twotabs 504, 506 located at opposite ends of the base 502. As shown, onetab 504 extends from the base 502 at approximately a right angle, andthe other tab 506 extends from the base 502 at an angle other than aright angle. More specifically, this tab 506 extends from the base at anobtuse angle or an angle preferably greater than a right angle. As willbe discussed in more detail below, the angle at which this tab 506extends from the base, among other things, is important in determiningat what tensional load the two plates 102, 104 will separate.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 andthe connector of FIG. 4. As illustrated, the connector 400 as providedin FIG. 4 holds the plates 102, 104 together by inserting one tab 404into the recess 226 located at the perimeter of the extension region 214of the first plate 102 that does not have a hole for receiving aconductor wire. The other tab 406 that is not inserted into the recess226 contacts the outer surface of the second plate 104 to facilitate atight fit between the connector 400 and the two plates 102, 104.

In this particular embodiment, it should be appreciated that the designof the connector 400 is symmetrical, which facilitates the insertion ofeither tab 404, 406 into either recess 226 of either plate 102, 104. Assuch, it is not imperative that both plates 102, 104 have correspondingrecesses since only one tab is inserted into one recess in one plate.However, as explained earlier, there may be significant manufacturingcost savings to make both plates identical.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 andthe connector of FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the connector 500 asprovided in FIG. 5 is used to join the plates 102, 104 together at theextension region 210 having a hole 216 for a conductor wire. The tab 504that extends from the connector at an approximate right angle isinserted into the recess 222 located at the perimeter of the firstextension area 210 of the first plate 102. In this case, the other tab506 that is not inserted into the recess does not contact the surface ofthe second plate 104, except for some contact at the point where thistab 506 meets the base 502 of the connector, because of the obtuse angleat which the tab 506 extends from the base 502. In other words, the tab506 that is not inserted into a recess extends away from the side of thesecond plate 104. It should be appreciated that a second connector, likethe connector shown in FIG. 5, is also used in the other extensionregion 212 having a hole 218 for a second conductor wire. Similarly thetab 504 that extends from the connector at an approximate right angle isinserted into the recess 224 located in the perimeter of the secondextension region 212 of the plate 102. Again, it should be appreciatedthat both connectors used in the extension regions having the holes forthe conductor wires may be inserted into the corresponding recesses inthe second plate 104 rather than the first plate 102, or one connectormay be inserted in one recess of one plate and the second connector maybe inserted into the recess of the second plate. As will be discussedbelow, to facilitate separation of the plates, it is preferable to havethe extension regions having holes for the conductor wires, as opposedto the ground wire, separate before the ground wire separates. Using theconnectors 500 having a tab with an obtuse angle in these extensionregions facilitates separation of the plates 102, 104 at the extensionregions 210, 212 having holes 216, 218 for the conductor wires beforethe plates 102, 104 separate near the center 208, where the hole 220 isfor the ground wire.

In operation, when the apparatus 100 is fully assembled, the connectors400, 500 are fitted along the perimeter of the extension regions 210,212, 214 to hold the plates 102, 104 together. Upon receiving a certainamount of tensional force upon the conductors or ground wire, theconnectors 400, 500 are designed to allow the plates 102, 104 to comeapart, thereby creating a physical and electrical separation of theconductors and ground wire. This controlled separation is facilitated bythe design of the connectors 400, 500. The connectors 500 holding thefirst and second extension regions 210, 212 having holes 216, 218 forreceiving conductor wires are designed to allow those extension regions210, 212 to separate first after the tensional force exceeds apredetermined maximum load. Specifically, the applied tensional forcepulling on the plates 102, 104 will cause the plates to first separateat the extension regions held together by the connectors 500 having tabs506 that extend away from the outside surface of the plates 102, 104 atan obtuse angle. The degree to which the tab 506 extends away from theoutside surface of the plates 102, 104 will determine the amount oftensional force or load required to separate the plates 102, 104. Themovement of the plates 102, 104 causes the connectors 500 holding thefirst and second extension regions 210, 212 having holes 216, 218 forthe conductor wires to bend or possibly break, thereby releasing theplates from each other at these extension regions 210, 212.

The movement or shifting of the plates 102, 104 upon the application ofa tensional force is facilitated by the design of this particularconnector 500. By having the non-inserted tab 506 extend out from thebase 502 at an obtuse angle, a space is created between the outersurface of the plate and the non-inserted tab 506, which allows theplates 102, 104 to separate at that point or extension region comparedto the extension region 214 that does not have a hole for receipt of aconductor and that utilizes a connector that fits snugly against theouter surface of the plate.

Once the connectors 500 in the perimeter of the first and secondextension regions 210, 212 allow the plates 102, 104 to begin toseparate in the first and second extension regions 210, 212 having holesfor the receipt of conductor wires, the separation of the plates 102,104 continues toward the third extension region 214 having no hole,thereby causing the apparatus 100 to open up at an angle. Eventually,the inserted tab 404 from the connector 400 slips out of the recess 226in the third extension region 214, as the plates 102, 104 fall apart. Asa result, the detachment of the connector 400 from the third extensionregion 214 having no hole completes the separation process of the plates102, 104. It should be appreciated, however, that the connectors havingtabs with an obtuse angle 500 are designed to allow the plates toseparate in those corresponding extension regions first, it is possiblethat only one of the two connectors will break or release first ratherthan both. Further, even if both of these connectors do bend or break itis not necessary that they bend or break simultaneously.

Moreover, it should be appreciated that the designs of the connectors400, 500 are not limited to the embodiments described above. Otherconnector designs that facilitate the holding of the plates 102, 104 maycome in various shapes, sizes, and parts, such as a clip or clamp thatgrabs the plates 102, 104 by the outer surfaces at the perimeter.Further, when designing a connector the geometry of the body, including,for example, the geometry of its edges, needs to be taken intoconsideration. For example, the connector should be able to hold a pairof plates or other body design at its periphery and should be capable ofallowing the pair of bodies to separate from one another. It should beappreciated that while the connector should allow the bodies toseparate, it is possible that the connector may remain attached to onebody or the other after separation. The connector design should also beflexible and realistic to hold and separate from plates 102, 104 ofdifferent shapes, sizes, thicknesses and surface textures.

Other design features for the connectors include a mechanism tofacilitate the controlled separation of the device, such as the bendingor breaking of the connectors as described above. One way ofincorporating such a mechanism is to set the design around the releaseload, which is the point in which the tensional force has exceeded apredetermined load. In the particular embodiment of the connector 500shown in FIG. 5, the release load design aspect may lead to a variety ofchoices for the angle at which the tab 506 extends from the base 502. Inone embodiment, this angle is approximately 135°. The thickness of thetabs 504, 506 and the base 502 may also be designed with more or lessstrength to alter the point at which the plates are capable ofseparating near this connector.

Another design factor is the material selection for the connectors. Awide variety of materials can be used in making these connectors,including, for example, plastic, steel and graphite. The materialselection for the connectors is also a factor in determining the amountof tensional force that will result in bending or breakage of theconnectors and separations of the plates. For instance, when requiring asmaller release load, less rigid materials, such as a softer plastic,can be used to facilitate bending or breaking of the connector andseparation of the plates. As noted above, a preferred angle is 135° witha preferred design that would allow the plates to separate uponreceiving a tensional load of approximately 1000 lbs, wherein theapparatus 100 is placed within 2 feet of a transformer on a service dropline.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a female crimp-on connector 312 according toone embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a side view of amale crimp-on connector 310 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The female crimp-on connector 312 is configured to receiveone end of an individual conductor wire and is securely held onto theend of the conductor wire by crimping. Similarly the male crimp-onconnector 310 is configured to receive one end of an individualconductor wire and is securely held onto the end of the conductor wireby crimping.

The female crimp-on connector 312 can be joined to the malecrimp-connector 804, forming a union of crimp-on connectors 310, 312held together by a friction fit. The crimp-on connectors 310, 312 areinserted into the corresponding holes 216, 218 for the conductor wiresand the mating of the male and female crimp-on connectors 310, 312facilitates the electrical connection between the corresponding pair ofconductors from the opposing plates 102, 104. Thus, both crimp-onconnectors 310, 312 are preferably cylindrical in geometry for an easierfitting into the holes 216, 218. It should be appreciated that anysuitable geometry for the crimp-on connectors can be used, such as ahexagon, octagon, or decagon, so that the crimp-on connectors may beeasily fitted into the holes. The geometry of the holes may also dictatethe shape of the crimp-on connectors, such as a circular hole for acylindrical crimp-on connector, an octagonal hole for an octagonalcrimp-on connector 310, 312, and so on.

Since the crimp-on connectors 310, 312 come into contact with theconductors and the plates 102, 104, the use of non-conductive materialsfor the crimp-on connector is desirable from an electrical standpointbecause it is important to keep the conductors electrically isolated. Ifa conductive material is used in the construction of the crimp-onconnectors 310, 312, then the connection of the conductors to the plates102, 104, via the union of the crimp-on connectors 310, 312, must beisolated, such as through the use of a non-conductive barrier or sleevebetween the crimp-on connector and the hole. For example, a rubbergrommet may be used, as will be discussed below in connection with FIG.9. Alternatively, the plates may be made from a non-conductive material.

Given that the crimp-on connectors 310, 312 may be used outdoors in anunprotected environment, it is also desirable to use a material ofconstruction for the crimp-on connectors 310, 312 that would withstandsignificant deterioration from the elements, such as UV rays orprecipitation. The material used in the construction of the crimp-onconnectors 310, 312 should also be sufficiently strong to remain intactupon impact on the ground when the plates 102, 104 separate, so that thecrimp-on connectors 310, 312 do not require replacement.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a fully-assembled apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention. As described earlier, the plates102, 104 are held together by the connectors 400, 500. (The connectors500 holding the first and second extension areas 210, 212 are not shownhere.) The holes 216, 218 located in extension regions 210, 212 of theplates 102, 104 each receive one of the female crimp-on connector 312and the male crimp-on connector 310, along with the conductors held bythe crimp-on connectors 310, 312. (Only one set of conductors 306, 308going through the crimp-on connectors 310, 312 and the plates 102, 104is shown.) Rubber grommets 902 are positioned between the male crimp-onconnector 310 and the first plate 102 and between the female crimp-onconnector 312 and the second plate 104. The rubber grommets 902, whichhave been treated with UV inhibitors, are used to electrically isolatethe crimped-on connectors 310, 312 from the plates 102, 104. The groundwire 904 is received by the third hole 220 located in the center of thefirst plate 102, while another ground wire 906 is received by the thirdhole 220 located in the center of the second plate 104. In thisparticular embodiment, the ground wires 904, 906 held by each plate 102,104 do not necessarily physical contact each other, although the platesmay be designed to facilitate such a physical connection. In thisembodiment, however, the ground wires 904, 906 are electricallyconnected via the plates 102, 104 themselves, which are made from aconductive material.

In this particular embodiment, nipples 908, which may be connected orintegral to the plates 102, 104, surround the area proximate to thethird hole 120 located in the center of both of the plates 102, 104 tofacilitate receipt of the ground wires 904. The nipples 908 arepreferably tapered, such that the raised area adjacent to the plate 102,104 surface is the widest and becomes gradually more narrow further fromthe plate 102, 104 surface. The nipples 908 are designed so that theground wires 904, 906 can remain relatively stable after insertion intothe hole 220 without additional securing. However, the ground wires 904,906 can be further secured onto the surface of the plates 102, 104 byany means known by one skilled in the art, for example, by using aneye-bolt 910 on the surface of either plate 102, 104.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the use of one embodiment of thepresent invention. The fully assembled apparatus 100 is positioned alonga service drop wire 1002 comprising conductors and ground wires (notshown individually) that extends from a utility pole 1006 to a building1004. Disposed between the residence building 1004 and the utility pole1006 along the service wire 1002 are a transformer 1008 and theapparatus 100. As illustrated the apparatus 100 is positioned closer tothe transformer 1008 than the building 1004. Preferably, the apparatus100 is placed within 2 feet of the transformer. As such, a shorterlength 1012 of the service drop wire 1002 extends between thetransformer 1008 and the apparatus 100, and a longer length 1014 of theservice drop wire 1002 extends between the apparatus 100 and thebuilding 1004. However, the apparatus 100 could be placed closer to thebuilding 1004 or in any position along the service drop wire 1002.

Upon receiving a tensional force on the service drop line 1002, such asone from a fallen tree 1010, the apparatus 100 physically andelectrically separates each of the two conductors from the correspondingpair of conductors extending from the transformer 1008 and physicallyand electrically separates the ground wire from the corresponding groundwire extending from the transformer 1008. As a result of the separationof the conductor and ground wires from the apparatus, one portion of theservice wire 1002 extending from the transformer 1008 drops to theground, while the other portion of the service wire 1002 extending fromthe building 1004 drops to the ground in a separate location. Thedropping of these service wire portions prevents the tensional forcefrom the fallen tree 1010 severely damaging the service hardwareattached to the building 1004 and the utility pole 1006, including thetransformer 1008. The prevention of damage to the service hardware savesmoney for the utility company, while also making the situation safer forresidents and the utility company service crew since the dropped servicewire would be energized.

In addition, with the separation of the conductor and ground wires, theapparatus 100 falls onto the ground, although it should be appreciatedthat depending upon the relative lengths of the portions of the servicedrop wire 1012, 1014 to the height from the ground, it is possible thatthe separated plates may not actually hit the ground. The rugged designof the apparatus 100 allows the apparatus to be re-used again on thesame or different service wire. To re-use the apparatus, the utilitycompany service crew would simply position the plates 102, 104 backtogether and attach the connectors if in re-usable condition or simplyattach new connectors.

In a multi-service arrangement, in which power is distributed along thesame transformer for at least two or more customers, the conductors andground wires that service each customer are in close proximity to theconductors and ground wires that service other customers. When atensional force is placed upon any of the conductors or ground wires ina multi-service arrangement, such as when a tree limb collapses onto oneof the sets of conductors or ground wire extending to one customer, inaddition to the concerns relating to building and service hardwaredamages as noted before, another concern emerges: how to safely andeffectively disengage the stressed conductor or ground wire withoutdisrupting the other customers' service.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the presentinvention for a multi-service arrangement. This embodiment addresses thenew concern raised in a multi-service arrangement of how to safely andeffectively disengage a stressed conductor or ground wire withoutdisrupting power for other customers while also addressing the need torelease a stressed conductor or ground wire before structural orhardware damage occurs. The apparatus 1102 comprises a switchboard box1104 and a mechanical breakaway device 1106, in which both theswitchboard box 1104 and mechanical breakaway device 1106 are attachedto a utility pole 1108. A plurality of conductors and ground wires runthrough the holes 1110 on the switchboard box 1104. For example, eachcustomer's service connection may comprise a pair of conductors and oneground wire that are fitted into crimp-on connectors 1112, which areinserted into the holes 1110 on the switchboard box 1104, preferably ina single column of holes 1110 for each customer. FIG. 11 demonstratesthe service connection for one customer by using two conductors 1114 anda ground wire 1116 attached to the switchboard box 1104, with theremaining holes 1110 on the switchboard box 1104 left open for the laterinstallation of service for other customers. Other conductors 1118 areconnected between the switchboard box 1104 to a transformer 1120 on thesame utility pole 1108 to provide power from the transformer 1120 toeach service connection. Another ground wire 1122 is connected betweenthe switchboard box 1104 and the actual ground surface at the bottom ofthe utility pole 1108. Generally, the mechanical breakaway device 1106is attached to the utility pole 1108 somewhere below the switchboard box1104 and can be secured by any means known to one of skill in the art,such as using an eyebolt 1124. The mechanical breakaway device 1106receives a ground wire, in which this ground wire serves as a messengerwire 1126 that provides structural support for the service drop wires(conductors and individual ground wires) between the utility pole 1108and their end points at each customer's location.

In general operation, and as will be discussed in more detail below,electrical service to each customer is achieved by connecting thecorresponding conductors and ground wires of each customer to theswitchboard box 1104 and by connecting conductors from the transformer1120 to the switchboard box 1104, thereby electrically connecting powerfrom the overhead lines to the service drop conductors. Thecorresponding conductors and ground wire for each customer that areconnected to the switchboard box 1104 act collectively as the servicedrop line for that customer. The ground wire extending from themechanical breakaway device 1106, also known as the messenger wire 1126,supports the service drop line coming out of the switchboard box 1104 tothe customer's building. Thus, the messenger wire 1126 is placed belowthe conductors and ground wires from the switchboard box 1104 formechanical support. In this multi-service arrangement, each customer'sservice drop line is supported by its own messenger wire 1126, so thereis generally a plurality of messenger wires 1126 attached to the utilitypole 1108 via separate mechanical breakaway devices 1106. Upon theapplication of a predetermined amount of tensional force upon, forexample, the power line for a particular customer, this embodiment ofthe present invention is designed so that the mechanical breakawaydevice 1106 detaches from the utility pole 1108 first, thereby releasingthe messenger wire 1126 first, which is followed by the detachment ofthe stressed power line from the switchboard box 1104. In other words,once the messenger wire 1126 detaches, the supporting mechanism for thepower lines is removed, so that the power line drops shortly after themessenger wire 1126 has been released, thereby avoiding any transfer oftension to the transformer 1120, utility pole 1108 or the customer'sbuilding. In addition the service drop line that falls would beelectrically disconnected and, therefore, not electrically charged. Itshould be appreciated that should the tensional stress on the power linefor a particular customer also affect other service drop lines, thosepower lines would be disconnected as well.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the switchboard box of FIG. 11. Theswitchboard box 1104 is any type of enclosure or housing that is capableof housing the connections made between the conductors from thetransformer 1120 and the service drop wires. The switchboard box 1104comprises a plurality of service drop connectors 1202 disposed inside ofthe switchboard box 1104. The service drop connectors 1202 each comprisea flat body 1208 having a plurality of connecting portions 1204 and asingle end connector 1206. A predetermined number of connecting portions1204 are arranged in a column along the flat body 1208 and the singleend connector 1206 is attached at one end of the flat body 1208. Each ofthe connection portions 1204 is configured as a tube that is open alongits length. The connecting portions 1204 are aligned with the holes 1110on the outer surface of the switchboard box 1104 so that crimp-onconnectors 1112 with conductors 1114 or ground wires may be insertedthrough the holes 1110 and into the connecting portions 1204. Similarlythe end connector 1206 is aligned with an outlet opening 1210 located atthe bottom surface of the switchboard box 1104 so that either crimp-onconnectors 1112 can be inserted or individual conductors or ground wiresmay be fitted into the end connector 1206.

The material for the service drop connectors 1202 can be any suitableconductive material. For example, aluminum, copper or any conductivemetal, such as conductive polymers, can be used to fabricate the servicedrop connectors 1202. The service drop connectors 1202 are situatedwithin in switchbox 1104 in an insulating material, such as rubber orpolyethylene, so that the conductors and ground wires for each customerservice connection remain electrically isolated from each other.

It should be appreciated that the service drop connectors 1202 do nothave to reside within the switchboard box 1104. For example, the servicedrop connectors 1202 can function as intended, i.e., holding connectorsand wires while acting as a conductor, outside of the switchboard box1104, but it would be subject to environmental elements. Hence, anexposed set service drop connectors would need to be designed towithstand the rigors of the environment, such as wind, sun and rainexposure. If using a conductive metal to make the service dropconnectors 1202, then the insulating material enveloping the servicedrop connectors 1202 would act to avoid oxidation of the metal.

Similarly, when implementing this embodiment of the present inventionwith a switchboard box 1104, the switchboard box 1104 design andselection should be such that it can withstand the outdoor elements. Theswitchboard box 1104 is designed to protect the service drop connectors1202 from the outdoor elements. For example, the switchboard box 1104should be made of a material that is strong enough to withstand theelements, such as plastic or metal. The holes 1110 and openings 1210 onthe surfaces of the switchboard box 1104 should approximately be thesame size as the openings of the connecting portions 1204 and the singleend connectors 1206. Likewise, the geometry of the holes 1110 andopenings 1210 on the surfaces of the switchboard box 1104 should matchthe geometry of the openings of the connecting portions 1204 and thesingle end connectors 1206, such as circular holes with circular tubesor octagonal holes with octagonal tubes, etc. By having the same sizeand geometry for these items, it not only facilitates easier insertionof the crimp-on connectors 1112, but it also minimizes gaps between theinternal structure 1112 and the switchboard box 1104 holes 1110 andopenings 1210, in which air and precipitation could leak into such gapsand damage the service drop connectors 1202.

It should also be appreciated that a switchboard box 1104 is notnecessary to protect the service drop connectors 1202 from the outdoorelements. Any suitable protective covering design can be used. Theprotective covering can be of any suitable geometry with any suitablenumber of surfaces. For instance, a protective covering can be extendedover the top, sides and bottom of the service drop connectors, whileleaving the front of the service connectors uncovered and having outletopenings at the bottom of the protective covering. The protectivecovering should be constructed with a durable material that canwithstand the outdoor elements. When using a switchboard box orprotective covering, it is preferable to have a back surface behind theservice drop connectors so that the switchboard box or protectivecovering can be readily mounted on the utility pole.

Regardless of which embodiment of the present invention is used, theservice drop connectors 1202 in the switchboard box 1104 should besituated near the transformer 1120 so that conductors 1118 leading outof the transformer 1120 can be readily inserted into the service dropconnectors 1202 within the switchboard box 1104. The switchboard box1104 can be attached to the utility pole 1108 by using any means knownto one of skill in the art, such as using standard pole hardware orconnectors.

FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of a single service drop connectorof FIG. 11. In operation, there would be a plurality of such servicedrop connector 1202 residing within the switchboard box 1104. Theservice drop connector 1202 comprises a flat body 1208 having aplurality of connecting portions 1204 and a single end connector 1206.The connecting portions 1204 have a relatively flat side 1302 that isused to attach the connecting portions 1204 to the flat body 1208. Thisrelatively flat side 1302 of the connecting portions 1204, facilitates amore elastic, spring-like effect in the tubular members 1204 so that theconnecting portions 1204 expand and contract somewhat when the crimp-onconnectors 1112 are inserted or pulled out of the connecting portions1204, as well as when holding the crimp-on connectors 1112 in place.Similarly, the single end connector 1206 is also designed with arelatively flat side 1304, in which the relatively flat side 1304 isused to attach the single end connector 1206 to the flat body 1208.Similarly to the connecting portions 1204, the relatively flat side 1304of the single end connector 1206 facilitates a more elastic, spring-likeeffect in the single end connector 1206 so that the single end connector1206 expands and contracts somewhat when a crimp-on connector 1112,conductor 1118 or ground wire 1122 is inserted or pulled out of thesingle end connector 1206, as well as when holding the crimp-onconnectors 1112, conductor 1118 or ground wire 1122 in place.Additionally, the expansion and contraction characteristic of theconnecting portions 1204 and single end connector 1206 also facilitateeasier insertion and removal of crimp-on connectors 1112, conductors1118 or ground wires 1122.

It should be appreciated that the connecting portions 1204 and singleend connector 1206 do not require relatively flat sides 1302, 1304 andcan be any suitable geometry or configuration, as long as it facilitatesthe connection of conductors, ground wires or wire connector, such asthe crimp-on connectors 1122. For example, connecting portions 1204 andsingle end connector 1206 may be tailored to the shape of the wire orcrimp-on connectors being inserted. For example, the connecting portionsmay be octagonal in shape to receive a crimp-on connector that isoctagonal in shape. The geometry and configuration of the connectingportions 1204 and single end connector 1206 should also take intoconsideration the tightness of the conductor, ground wire or wireconnector fit. The tightness of such a fit is a factor in the design ofthe present invention so that the stressed conductor or ground wire maydrop at the designated tension load. When using the crimp-on connectors1122 in this particular embodiment of the present invention with theconnecting portions 1204 having a relatively flat side 1302 attached tothe flat member 1208, it is desirable to have a friction fit between thecrimp-on connectors 1112 and the connecting portions 1204 to facilitatea quicker release of the stressed conductor or ground wire after themessenger wire 1126 is detached. The separation of the stressedconductor or ground wire will be discussed in greater detail later.

FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of a portion of the mechanicalbreakaway device of FIG. 11. In this particular embodiment, a breakingmember 1402 is the top component of the mechanical breakaway device 1106and is a wedge clamp-like device. The breaking member 1402 has twodistinct portions. The first portion 1404 is a thin block used tofacilitate the attachment of the mechanical breakaway device 1106 to theutility pole 1108, and it is located at one end of the breaking member1402. For example, the first portion 1404 can be inserted into a hole onthe utility pole 1108 or secured by fitting an eyebolt 1124 through ahole (not shown) in the first portion 1404 of the breaking member 1402.The second portion 1406 of the breaking member 1402 resembles a trough,but the bottom and side walls of the second portion 1406 are tapered andare closer together near the first portion 1404 of the breaking member1402. A hole 1408 is located in the area near the union of the twoportions 1404, 1406. The hole 1408 is designed to weaken the breakingmember 1402, so that the breaking member 1402 breaks upon theapplication of excessive tension on the messenger wire 1126. In otherwords, the hole serves as an initiation area for breaking to occur.Therefore, the design of this hole, which may take any shape or size, iscritical to the load at which the breaking member 1402 will actuallybreak. A larger hole will allow the breaking member 1402 to break moreeasily or upon application of a lower tensional force than a smallerhole. The operation of the breaking member 1402 as used in conjunctionwith the overall mechanical breakaway device 1106 is discussed below inconnection with FIGS. 15-17.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical breakaway device of FIG.11. In addition to the breaking member 1402 described above, themechanical breakaway device 1106 also comprises a gripping member 1502.In this particular embodiment, the gripping member 1502 is U- orV-shaped, with side walls 1504 that extend over the top of the sidewalls 1506 of the breaking member 1402. The top edges 1508 of the sidewalls 1504 of the gripping member 1502 should contact the top edges 1510of the side walls 1506 of the breaking member 1402. The top edges 1508of the side walls 1504 of the gripping member 1502 should be somewhatcurved to facilitate the gripping of the top edges 1510 of the sidewalls 1506 of the breaking member 1402. The top edges 1508 of the sidewalls 1504 of the gripping member 1502 should be such that theyfacilitate sliding of the gripping member 1502 across the top edges 1510of the side walls 1506 of the breaking member 1402.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the mechanical breakaway deviceof FIG. 11. In this view, the gripping member 1502 is positioned closerto the first portion 1404 of the breaking member 1402. In thisparticular embodiment, when the gripping member 1502 is positionedcloser to the first portion 1404 of the breaking member 1402, thereshould be an opening formed at the mouth 1602 of the gripping member1402 that is large enough for the insertion of the messenger wire 1126(not shown). As the gripping member 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breaking member 1402, the opening at the mouthof the gripping member 1502 becomes larger.

FIG. 17 provides yet another perspective view of the mechanicalbreakaway device of FIG. 11. In this view, the mechanical breakawaydevice 1106 is shown with the messenger wire 1126. In this particularembodiment, when the gripping member 1502 is positioned at the end ofthe second portion 1406 of the breaking member 1402, the opening formedat the mouth 1602 of the gripping member 1502 is more narrow than theopening formed when the gripping member 1502 was closer to the firstportion 1404 of the breaking member 1402, so that the narrowed openingholds the messenger wire 1126 firmly in place. As the gripping member1502 is positioned closer to the end of the second portion 1406 of thebreaking member 1402, the opening at the mouth of the gripping member1502 becomes narrower, eventually becoming too narrow to insert themessenger wire 1126. Therefore, the messenger wire 1126 has to beinserted first when the gripping member 1502 is positioned closer to thefirst portion 1404 of the breaking member 1402, and the gripping member1502 is then positioned back to the end of the second portion 1406 ofthe breaking member 1402 to form a firm hold over the messenger wire1126.

It should be appreciated that the breaking member can come in anysuitable shape or form, as long as there is a portion of the breakingmember that can be attached to a utility pole and a portion tofacilitate the holding of a messenger wire. The portion of the breakingmember that is attached to the utility pole should be designed so thatthe messenger wire in the mechanical breakaway device can hangrelatively freely so that it can sway up and down or side-to-side whenthe wind blows to allow some freedom of movement for the messenger wire.The portion of the breaking member that facilitates the holding of themessenger wire should be designed with features that allow the grippingmember to cling onto the surface of the breaking member. Further to theembodiment described before, the top edges of the breaking member's sidewalls, for example, can have grooves, channels, slots, or notches thatallow the top edges of the gripping member's 1502 side walls to fit intothe breaking member more snugly.

Since the breaking member 1402 is designed to break, the materialselection also plays a role in the breaking process. The materials usedin fabricating the breaking member 1402 should be sufficiently durableto withstand the outdoor elements but yet soft or flexible enough tobreak under the application of a predetermined tension load. Forexample, aluminum and plastic are suitable materials. Alternatively,higher strength materials may be used to require a higher tensional loadbefore the breaking member actually fails. Another factor in breakingthe breaking member 1402 is the thickness of the material, in which athinner material favors quicker breaking at lower tensional loads and athicker material favors slower breaking at higher tensional loads.

Besides material selection and thickness, the hole 1408 on the breakingmember's 1402 surface plays a role in the breaking process. The size andshape of the hole 1408 on the breaking member 1402 varies according tothe predetermined tension load requirement. For instance, when thepredetermined tension load is set on the lower end, the hole should belarger and/or more pointed to facilitate quicker breaking of themechanical breakaway device 1106. To facilitate quicker breaking at alower tension load, the breaking member 1402 can also be perforated witha plurality of holes of the same shape and size or varying shapes andsizes. The plurality of holes can be arranged in any manner, such as astraight line or a zigzag pattern. As mentioned earlier, the hole 1408serves an initiation area for breaking, so alternatively the initiationarea for breaking can be any shape or form, such as a partial cut,indentation, or notch on the surface of the breaking member 1402. Thedepth and size of the partial cut, indentation, notch is based on thepredetermined tension load requirement. A longer and deeper partial cut,indentation, or notch facilitates quicker breaking.

It should also be appreciated that the gripping member can be in anysuitable shape or form, as long as it is designed to hold the messengerwire 1126 in place with the breaking member 1402. For example, thegripping member can be U-shaped in a box-type or rectangular manner.However, if the gripping member is to be re-used after the mechanicalbreakaway device 1106 breaks apart, the design of the gripping membershould also reflect that aspect by, for example, implementing a morerounded design to survive the impact of the fall. The gripping membercan be optionally designed to slide across the top edges of the breakingmember to facilitate the opening size of the gripping member for theinsertion and holding of the messenger wire 1126. The side walls of thegripping member can be somewhat flexible so that the gripping memberjust clamps the messenger wire 1126 in place against the breaking member1402 by pulling on the gripping member's side walls a little to fit ontothe breaking member 1402. Alternatively, the gripping member can beattached to the breaking member 1402 via a hinge so that the mechanicalbreakaway device 1106 resembles more of a clamp to hold the messengerwire 1126 in place.

Since the mechanical breakaway device 1106 is placed outdoors, thematerial selection for the gripping member should be durable so that itcan withstand the elements of the outdoors. Further, given that themechanical breakaway device 1106 is designed to break when thepredetermined tensional load has been met or exceeded, the materialselection for the gripping member 1502 should reflect that possibility.The material for fabricating the gripping member 1502 should alsowithstand the impact of falling onto the ground when the mechanicalbreakaway device 1106 breaks via the breaking member 1402. Bywithstanding the impact from falling, the gripping member 1502 can bere-used when attached to another breaking member 1402.

In operation, the apparatus 1102 is generally placed below thetransformer 1120, in which the switchboard box 1104 is disposed betweenthe transformer 1120 and the mechanical breakaway device 1106, so thatthe customer's service drop line from the switchboard box 1104 ispositioned above the messenger wire 1126 from the mechanical breakawaydevice 1106. Upon receiving the application of a tensional force on atleast one customer's service drop line, such as from a fallen tree, theapparatus 1102 physically and electrically separates each of thestressed conductors and ground wire by first releasing the correspondingmessenger wire 1126 followed by the affected customer's service dropline or wires. In effect, once a predetermined load on the messengerwire 1126 is reached, which in one embodiment is approximately 1000lbs., the breakaway device 1106 fails thereby allowing the messengerwire to fall from the utility pole 1108. In addition, the service droplines, which may include more than one, will also simply pull from therespective service drop wire connectors 1204 inside of the switchbox1104 and also fall to the ground.

The dropping of these service wire portions prevents the tensional forcefrom severely damaging the service hardware attached to the building andthe utility pole 1108, including the transformer 1120, withoutinterrupting service for other customers having service drop wires thatwere not stressed. The prevention of damage to the service hardwaresaves money for the utility company, while also making the situationsafer for residents and the utility company service crew since thedropped service wire would be energized.

In addition, with the separation of the messenger wire 1126, conductorsand ground wire, one portion of the apparatus 1102, specifically themechanical breakaway device 1106, may also drop to the ground after thebreaking member 1402 breaks. When the mechanical breakaway device 1106drops to the ground, the tensional force on the messenger wire must havebeen great enough to have ruptured the first portion 1404 of thebreaking member 1402 that is attached to the utility pole 1108. It isalso possible that the messenger wire 1126 is dropped without themechanical breakaway device 1106 falling onto the ground. In such cases,the tensional force on the messenger wire 1126 only breaks the secondportion 1406 of the breaking member 1402 that facilitates the holding ofthe messenger wire 1126, so that the broken mechanical breakaway device1106 is still attached to the utility pole 1108. Regardless of whetherthe mechanical breakaway device 1106 falls or not, the utility servicecrew will need to replace the breaking member 1402 when they re-connectthe messenger wire 1126.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent variousembodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that theforegoing description should not be deemed limiting since additions,variations, modification and substitutions may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be clear toone of skill in the art that the present invention may be embodied inother forms, structures, arrangements, proportions and using otherelements, materials and components. For example, although the apparatusis described in connection with the use of two conductors and one groundwire, the apparatus can be adapted for use with more or less wires.Further, although the invention has been described in terms of flatplates, other geometries may be used. Further, in connection with themulti-service drop apparatus, although the apparatus is described inconnection with the use of two conductors and one ground wire for onecustomer's service drop line, the apparatus can be adapted for use withmore or less wires per service drop. Further, although the invention hasbeen described in terms of a switchboard box and a mechanical breakawaydevice, other configurations of these devices may be used as long asthey perform the same respective functions. The present disclosedembodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoingdescription.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for electrically and mechanicallyseparating two pairs of conductors and one pair of ground wires upon theapplication of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors orground wires, comprising: receiving a tensional force on a service dropline comprising two conductors and a ground wire attached to acorresponding pair of conductors and a corresponding ground wireextending from a utility pole; physically and electrically separatingeach of said two conductors from said corresponding pair of conductorsextending from the utility pole; and subsequently physically andelectrically separating said ground wire from said corresponding groundwire extending from the utility pole.
 20. An apparatus for connecting aplurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowingseparation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon atleast one of the conductors or ground wires, comprising: a plurality ofcrimp-on connectors configured to receive said conductors and saidground wires; a box having a plurality of holes configured to receivesaid crimp-on connectors on a first surface of said box, in which saidbox is attached to a first location on a utility pole; at least onemechanical breakaway device configured to receive one of said groundwires, in which said mechanical breakaway device is attached to a secondlocation on said utility pole; and wherein said mechanical breakawaydevice releases said received ground wire first upon an application of atensional force on said conductors or said ground wires, such that saidtensional force on said conductors then increases on said conductors,thereby pulling said crimp-on connectors out of said box and releasingsaid conductors and said ground wires that are attached to said crimp-onconnectors.
 21. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein said holes on saidsurface of said box are equidistantly spaced apart in a verticaldirection and in a horizontal direction.
 22. The apparatus as in claim20, wherein said box having an internal structure disposed inside ofsaid box.
 23. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein said box having aplurality of outlet openings on a second surface of said box.
 24. Theapparatus as in claim 22, wherein said internal structure furthercomprising a plurality of tubular members, a plurality of holdingtubular members, and a plurality of flat members
 25. The apparatus as inclaim 23, wherein said tubular members are aligned with said holes andare configured to receive said crimp-on connectors.
 26. The apparatus asin claim 24, wherein said internal structure having said tubular membersdisposed in a plurality of columns and oriented perpendicularly to saidutility pole.
 27. The apparatus as in claim 26, wherein said tubularmembers are attached to said flat members.
 28. The apparatus as in claim23, wherein said holding tubular members are attached to said flatmembers and are oriented in a direction parallel with said utility pole.29. The apparatus as in claim 23, wherein said holding tubular membersare aligned with said outlet openings.
 30. The apparatus as in claim 29,wherein said holding tubular members hold a first portion of saidconductors and a first portion of said ground wires in place inside ofsaid box and within said internal structure as a second portion of saidconductors and a second portion of said ground wires are positionedoutside of said box from said outlet openings through said holdingtubular members.
 31. The apparatus as in claim 22, wherein said internalstructure is made of a conductive material.
 32. The apparatus as inclaim 22, wherein said internal structure is disposed within aninsulating material.
 33. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein saidmechanical breakaway device further comprising a first end and a secondend, in which said first end is attached to said second location on saidutility pole and said second end holds said received ground wires as amessenger wire.
 34. The apparatus as in claim 33, wherein said secondend of said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a breakingmember and a gripping member, in which said breaking member covers a topportion of said messenger wire and said gripping member covers a bottomportion of said messenger wire.
 35. The apparatus as in claim 34,wherein said gripping member covers said bottom portion of saidmessenger wire by gripping onto said breaking member.
 36. The apparatusas in claim 34, wherein said breaking member further comprising a firstend, a second end, and an initiation area for breaking, in which saidinitiation area for breaking is located near said first end, where saidfirst end is connected to said utility pole, and said second endreceives said messenger wire.
 37. An apparatus for connecting aplurality of conductors and a plurality of ground wires and for allowingseparation of the same upon the application of a tensional force upon atleast one of the conductors or ground wires, comprising: a plurality ofcrimp-on connectors configured to receive said conductors and saidground wires; a structure with a first surface attached to a firstlocation on a utility pole; a plurality of tubular members attached to asecond surface of said structure, wherein said tubular members areconfigured to receive said crimp-on connectors; at least one mechanicalbreakaway device configured to receive one of said ground wires, inwhich said mechanical breakaway device is attached to a second locationon said utility pole; and wherein said mechanical breakaway devicereleases said received ground wire first upon an application of atensional force on said conductors or said ground wires, such that saidtensional force on said conductors then increases on said conductors,thereby pulling said crimp-on connectors out of said tubular members andreleasing said conductors that are attached to said crimp-on connectors.38. The apparatus as in claim 37, wherein said tubular members aredisposed in a plurality of columns and are oriented perpendicularly tosaid utility pole.
 39. The apparatus as in claim 37 further comprises aplurality of holding tubular members, wherein said holding tubularmembers are attached to said structure and are oriented in a directionparallel to said utility pole.
 40. The apparatus as in claim 39, whereinsaid holding tubular members are disposed below said tubular members andare configured to have a first portion of said conductors and saidground wires be positioned above said holding tubular members, a secondportion of said conductors and said ground wires be positioned withinsaid holding tubular members, and a third portion of said conductors andsaid ground wires be positioned below said holding tubular members. 41.The apparatus as in claim 39, wherein said tubular members, said holdingtubular members, and said structure are made of a conductive material.42. The apparatus as in claim 41, wherein said tubular members, saidholding tubular members, and said structure are disposed within aninsulating material.
 43. The apparatus as in claim 37, wherein saidmechanical breakaway device further comprising a first end and a secondend, in which said first end is attached to said second location on saidutility pole and said second end holds said received ground wires as amessenger wire.
 44. The apparatus as in claim 43, wherein said secondend of said mechanical breakaway device further comprising a breakingmember and a gripping member, in which said breaking member covers a topportion of said messenger wire and said gripping member covers a bottomportion of said messenger wire by gripping onto said breaking member.45. The apparatus as in claim 44, wherein said breaking member furthercomprising a first end, a second end, and an initiation area forbreaking, in which said initiation area for breaking is located nearsaid first end, where said first end is connected to said utility pole,and said second end receives said messenger wire.
 46. A method forelectrically and mechanically separating a plurality of conductors and aground wire in a multiple service installation system upon theapplication of a tensional force upon at least one of the conductors orsaid ground wire, comprising: receiving a tensional force on a servicedrop line comprising a plurality of conductors and a ground wire,wherein said conductors and ground wire are attached in separatelocations along a utility pole; physically and electrically separatingsaid ground wire from said utility pole first; subsequently physicallyand electrically separating said conductors from said utility pole; andwherein other service drop lines do not receive a tensional force and donot physically and electrically separate.